She could do this. Shehadto do this.
The money from the concerts would pay for four more tiny homes. Regardless of how she felt, a lot of people were counting on her. And Willow wasn’t letting anyone down, least of all herself.
Chapter Sixteen
Zac madehis way to the seating area in front of the stage. Even sold out concerts usually had a few empty seats when people’s plans changed. But not tonight. Each of the chairs and all of the platform seating was full of eager fans waiting to hear Ryan and Willow sing.
He glanced at his ticket before squeezing between two rows of seats. It felt strange to overhear parts of conversations about his girlfriend. For him, Willow was an amazing person with a big heart and a gentle soul. For the people who had come to hear her sing, she was a country music star, someone they admired and wanted to be like.
By the time he sat down, he began to understand why Willow valued her privacy so much. Having strangers talk about the clothes you wore, how tired you looked in your photos, and the mystery man you’re dating would be difficult for anyone to come to terms with. But for Willow, it was even harder. Her previous manager had not only broken the trust between them, but he’d shaken her confidence.
Zac leaned forward and waved at Emma. Between the two of them sat six excited girls, including Nora.
When Pastor John walked onto the stage, an expectant hush fell over the audience.
“Welcome to Sapphire Bay’s first fundraising concert for the tiny home village. My name is John McDonald and I’m the pastor at the local church. Each day, The Welcome Center provides meals for up to forty people and accommodation for thirty. Like many towns and cities around the world, finding affordable accommodation is nearly impossible. To help people who can’t find safe and warm housing, the church is building twenty-five tiny homes and remodeling another four houses. The money we raise this weekend will be used to build some of the tiny homes.”
A loud cheer rang out from the audience.
Zac’s heart pounded. Loud noise he could deal with. Unexpected loud noises set off his PTSD like a flame in a forest of dry timber. He reached into his pocket and took out a pair of earplugs. If he dimmed the noise, there was more chance he’d be here for the entire concert. Because no matter what, he’d told Willow he would be here for her. And it was a promise he intended to keep.
When the noise lowered enough for John to be heard, he continued. “I’d like to send a big thank you to Ryan and Willow for performing here tonight. Without their support, none of this would be possible. Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, I’d like to introduce Ryan Evans and Willow Clarke, two of the country’s most successful country music stars.”
This time the people at the concert went crazy. Even the girls beside Zac stomped their feet and clapped their hands, cheering loudly.
For the first time, Zac understood Willow’s nerves. Standing in front of two thousand screaming fans would be his worst nightmare. Sitting amongst them wasn’t much better.
Willow and Ryan ran onto the stage, smiling and waving at their adoring fans.
Without missing a beat, Willow’s gaze traveled through the audience, stopping when she saw Zac. He doubted anyone else would have noticed the relief in her face.
I’m here for you, Willow. You can do this.
The band played the first notes of a ballad. The music echoed around the lake, drifting through the audience like a blanket of silk.
The crowd fell silent, and Willow’s voice soared.
An hour later,Zac didn’t know if he would be able to stay at the concert. He could tolerate most of the noise, but as soon as the tempo of the music increased and the strobe lights shone across the audience, his brain went into overdrive. It didn’t matter what he told himself or how many relaxation techniques he tried—he couldn’t stop the panic tearing through his body.
His heart was pounding so much that he could feel his blood pumping through his veins.
It will be all right. It’s only music.
Sweat broke across his forehead. Balling his hands into fists, he tried to stop his body from shaking. But no matter what he did, he couldn’t even pretend to be enjoying himself.
Emma leaned forward and frowned. She whispered something to Nora before leaving her seat.
He hoped she wasn’t going too far away. If what was happening to him got any worse, he’d need all the support he could get.
Within minutes, Pastor John was crouched in front of him. “Do you need to leave?”
“I can’t. I promised Willow I’d stay.”
“She’ll understand.” John placed two fingers on his wrist. “Your heart is beating too fast. Come with me.”
Zac winced when the band launched into the instrumental part of a song. The stage lighting became more intense, pulsing against the pitch-black sky.
John held his arm as he half dragged Zac out of the concert. Hopefully, Willow would realize why he’d disappeared. But at the moment, he was more worried about what he would do if he didn’t get away from the bright lights and loud noise.
